This sage is used as a perennial for summer displays. Its low, lush foliage can be used as a groundcover in moist, open beds and can create an attractive cascade of foliage in deep, well watered containers.

Young plants are planted out at the end of spring. Salvia aurita var. aurita is easily combined with most flowering perennials and also gives good contrast with Fynbos elements such as Restionaceae, Proteaceae and Erica species.

The fast-growing plants get untidy after each growth period in summer and need to be pruned back hard. From time to time, it will be beneficial to maintain the growing area of the plants by removing excessive spreading side stems and to use these rooted shoots to propagate more plants, or give them to fellow gardeners to replant for their own use.

Salvia aurita var. aurita requires full sun with good drainage. It will survive with moderate water, but responds well to regular watering, especially in summer. No extra feeding is necessary for strong, healthy growth and flowering, although an occasional foliar feed would do no harm and the plants will tolerate feeding with organic or chemical fertilizers.

Young plants are easy to propagate from seed, cuttings or divisions of the creeping rootstock.

Sow seeds in late spring and early summer into general potting soil mix. Seedlings germinate quickly, and seedlings can be transplanted into well-drained potting soil once the first pair of true leaves appears.

Take tip cuttings in spring and summer. Cuttings must be without a terminal flowering bud. Place in rooting medium: 50% fine milled bark and 50% polystyrene (perlite, vermiculite, river sand and peat are alternatives). Place under mist or enclose in a plastic bag to retain humidity. Keep warm but out of direct sunlight, and cuttings should root in 2-4 weeks.

Due to their hairy and aromatic leaves the plants do not have any major pests, although mealy bugs may settle down near the base of the stems and leaves.